Chess Openings for Black

Against 1.e4

From solid to sharp.

1. 1

   Caro-Kann Defense

   1.e4 c6BeginnerSolid structure and a free light-squared bishop. Hard for White to attack.
2. 2

   Scandinavian Defense

   1.e4 d5BeginnerChallenge e4 immediately. Short, easy-to-learn lines.
3. 3

   French Defense

   1.e4 e6IntermediateA strong pawn chain and counter-attacks with …c5 and …f6.
4. 4

   Sicilian Defense

   1.e4 c5AdvancedThe most popular and ambitious reply: asymmetry and winning chances.

Against 1.d4

Classical or hypermodern.

1. 1

   Queen's Gambit Declined

   1.d4 d5 2.c4 e6BeginnerKeep the pawn on d5 with …e6, develop and castle.
2. 2

   Slav Defense

   1.d4 d5 2.c4 c6IntermediateHold d5 with …c6 and develop the bishop outside the pawn chain.
3. 3

   Nimzo-Indian Defense

   1.d4 Nf6 2.c4 e6 3.Nc3 Bb4AdvancedPin the c3 knight and fight for e4 with pieces.
4. 4

   King's Indian Defense

   1.d4 Nf6 2.c4 g6AdvancedFianchetto, castle, then strike with …e5 or …c5 and attack.

Traps to know

• Englund Gambit Trap
  The Englund Gambit trap (1.d4 e5) ends in a queen mate on c1 if White plays the natural 4.Bf4. See the trap and the safe 4.Qd5.
• Stafford Gambit
  The Stafford Gambit (1.e4 e5 2.Nf3 Nf6 3.Nxe5 Nc6) is full of traps, including a queen sacrifice and mate. See the main trap and the safe 6.Be2.
• Elephant Trap
  The Elephant Trap in the Queen's Gambit Declined punishes 6.Nxd5 with …Nxd5! and …Bb4+, winning a piece. See the trap and how White avoids it.

Frequently asked questions

What is the best opening for Black against 1.e4?

The Sicilian is the most popular at every level; the Caro-Kann is the most solid choice and easier to learn.

What should Black play against 1.d4?

The Queen’s Gambit Declined and the Slav are the safest choices. The Nimzo-Indian and King’s Indian are more complex and more ambitious.